Aurora Community in Distress as Search Intensifies for Missing 14-Year-Old Girl Last Seen Sunday Evening

AURORA, COLORADO — The city of Aurora is gripped by anxiety and heartbreak as the search intensifies for a 14-year-old girl who has been missing since Sunday night. Known simply as Erica in the public alert issued by police and loved ones, the teenager was last seen leaving her home near E. Dry Creek Road and S. Gartrell Road around 8:45 p.m., and she has not been seen or heard from since.

The disappearance has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, where residents, school officials, friends, and neighbors have banded together in a unified plea for answers. As hours turn into days, concern for Erica’s safety continues to grow, and her family’s urgent call for help has ignited a city-wide response—both in person and online.

A Sudden and Troubling Disappearance

Erica is described as being 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds, with shoulder-length brown hair. A distinguishing feature that may help identify her is a Henna tattoo located on her left forearm—a recent addition that stands out clearly on her otherwise light skin tone. She was last seen wearing casual clothes, although exact details of her outfit remain unclear.

According to her family, Erica’s departure is considered highly unusual and deeply alarming. “She’s not the kind of girl to run away or vanish without saying something,” one family member said. “She has always been responsible, always in contact. For her to be gone this long with no word—it’s terrifying.”

Loved ones immediately contacted the Aurora Police Department when Erica failed to return home or answer her phone. Officers responded quickly and issued a Missing Person Alert, classifying the case as one of urgent concern due to Erica’s age and the unusual nature of her disappearance.

An Emotional Plea from the Family

As the hours stretch on, Erica’s family is growing increasingly desperate for information. They have made public appeals through social media, local news interviews, and community flyers distributed across the Aurora area. Every message is filled with raw emotion and a plea for Erica’s safe return.

“We just want her home. Erica, if you see this, please know that you are not in trouble. We love you. We miss you. Please come back to us,” a close family member said, holding back tears.

Photos of Erica, including a recent image showing her smiling at a school event, have been shared widely, accompanied by messages urging the public to stay alert and report any potential sightings.

The family has also asked the community to refrain from speculating or spreading misinformation, as unverified rumors on social media can hamper the investigation and create additional pain.

Community Mobilizes in Search

In the days following Erica’s disappearance, residents from across Aurora and neighboring communities have mobilized to support the search. Volunteers have gathered at local parks, shopping centers, and trailheads to distribute flyers and search the areas surrounding Erica’s last known location. Others have canvassed door-to-door, checking with neighbors and asking for security camera footage that may show Erica walking or being picked up by a vehicle.

Local businesses have joined the effort as well, posting “Missing” posters in their windows and on community bulletin boards. Schools and youth centers have shared updates with students and parents, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Church groups, youth organizations, and other local networks have also stepped in, organizing prayer vigils, search parties, and support services for Erica’s family.

“This is a child we’re talking about,” one local volunteer said. “None of us can sit back and do nothing. That could be anyone’s daughter.”

Law Enforcement Intensifies Investigation

The Aurora Police Department has been actively investigating Erica’s disappearance since the moment it was reported. Detectives have conducted interviews with friends, classmates, neighbors, and anyone who may have had contact with Erica in the days leading up to her disappearance.

Officials are reviewing digital communications, including text messages and social media activity, to piece together her recent interactions. Authorities are also canvassing security camera footage from nearby intersections, businesses, and residential homes to establish a timeline and determine if Erica was seen traveling alone or if someone may have picked her up.

While investigators have not yet confirmed any leads pointing to foul play, they are not ruling out any possibilities.

“The longer a child is missing, the more concern we have,” said a spokesperson from the Aurora Police Department. “We’re dedicating every available resource to bring her home.”

Tips and Leads

The Aurora Police have set up a dedicated tip line for anyone who may have information about Erica’s whereabouts or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Callers can remain anonymous, and all tips will be thoroughly investigated.

Community members are encouraged to check home security camera footage from Sunday evening between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., particularly along or near E. Dry Creek Road, S. Gartrell Road, and surrounding neighborhoods. Even small details—such as the sighting of a lone figure walking or an unfamiliar vehicle parked near a greenbelt—could prove vital.

So far, the police have received dozens of tips, some of which are being actively pursued. No confirmed sightings have yet been publicly announced.

Psychological Toll on the Family

The emotional toll on Erica’s family is evident. Those closest to her are battling fear, exhaustion, and helplessness while continuing to lead the search efforts. Meals are being delivered by neighbors, and support has poured in from across the state, but the weight of uncertainty remains crushing.

Mental health professionals and crisis counselors are also involved, offering emotional support to the family and the wider community. Missing child cases can create prolonged psychological trauma, not just for loved ones, but for peers and classmates as well.

Counselors at Erica’s school have been made available to speak with students, and teachers have reported signs of anxiety among those who knew her best.

“She’s just a kid,” said one classmate. “She was in our math class on Friday, and now she’s gone. We don’t understand.”

Ongoing Hope and Faith

Despite the passage of time, hope remains alive. Erica’s family, local officials, and the greater Aurora community remain united in the belief that she will be found safe.

A candlelight vigil is being planned for the coming weekend, inviting residents from across the region to come together in support. The gathering will feature prayers, music, and messages of love for Erica, as well as a renewed call for vigilance.

Several parents have used this moment as an opportunity to speak with their own children about safety, trust, and staying connected. For many, Erica’s disappearance has underscored the vulnerabilities that exist—even in seemingly safe environments—and sparked new conversations within households across Aurora.

What to Do If You See Erica or Have Information

Authorities urge the public to take the following steps if they believe they have seen Erica or have information that may aid the investigation:

• Do not attempt to confront or follow anyone.
• Call 911 immediately and report the sighting.
• Provide as many details as possible, including location, time, direction of travel, clothing, and description of any individuals or vehicles involved.
• If you have surveillance footage or video evidence, contact Aurora Police immediately.

A reward may be offered in the coming days for information leading to Erica’s safe return.

A Community United by Love

In moments like this, cities are tested. But Aurora has responded not with fear, but with unity, courage, and a shared belief in the importance of every child’s safety. Erica’s story has touched the hearts of strangers and drawn people together in ways few other events can.

As the search continues, her photo remains at the forefront of community posts, news reports, and morning prayers. Her name is spoken with love and urgency, and her return is the wish on every heart.

She is not forgotten. She is not alone.

And until she is found, the search will not stop.

If you have any information regarding Erica’s whereabouts, please contact the Aurora Police Department’s tip line immediately. You can remain anonymous. Every second counts.